Getting to know me

I am a health and physical education major with a minor in math. After graduation, I intend to become a high school math teacher and coach. I enjoy spending time with my friends and lounging around at home with my two dogs, Lilah and Goliath.

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Week 12

           All schools should have a general guideline or policy that students are expected to follow when using technology on school grounds. This includes the use of their own personal devices. This guideline should cover social media use, bullying, and more. Denison ISD in Denison, Texas has a contract agreement with both parents and students stating they understand the DISD guidelines for Acceptable Use of Computers and Network Systems. The Ethics of General Technology Use Policy goes over computer network rules, Internet use, consequences, and more. Students have access to computers and tablets inside the classroom and labs. Their policy does not clarify if the school has a 1:1 initiative. This policy is in depth in what is and is not allowed at Denison ISD. The contract signed is one way to show that all students and parents know what is expected from the students. I believe digital equity is achieved here. Students have the necessities to perform the tasks asked of them.

           Cell phones are a vital part of communication for students inside and outside the classroom. Liz Kolb believes there can be an educational use of cell phones in the classroom after first being opposed to them. However, she does understand that not everyone has access to technology. There are other tools to bridge the gap for those limited by technology. Small group work is a great way to spark academic interest. It allows students to collaborate with one another. Although technology can be implemented into this it isn’t necessary to be successful. Texting back and forth on apps such as Group Me are a great way to collaborate outside of the classroom. Let’s say students have a project due on Monday, over the weekend students can quick, instant message one another. There are infinite ways for students to be creative and no limit as to what they can create with the proper technology.

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Digital Citizenship

The three lessons I reviewed were over cyber-bulling, copy right laws, and gender differences of media for grades 9-12.

Cyber-bullying

This lesson used videos for students to reflect on the factors of cyber-bullying and how it can be prevented. The lesson had thought provoking questions and asked the students to put themselves in the situations discussed in the video. ISTE 1a, 2a, and 3d were met through this lesson plan, as well as others. This lesson is important for all students to know, especially middle and high school students. A lesson over cyber-bullying has a place in all class room subjects because it applies to all students and their responsibility to be a good digital citizen. However, with this lesson, people have different opinions of what constitutes as bullying. Some people do not even believe “cyber-bullying” is real. Therefore, this lesson could bring a heated discussion and the teacher would need to be in control of all debate. 

Copy right law

This lesson focuses on more of a lecture style - then students do a “Mad Men” handout and an activity where they are pretending to chose an ad for a campaign. Students have to decide if they are following copyright laws throughout this activity. ISTE Standards 1c, 1d, 2d, 4c, and more are addressed in this lesson. In a math classroom, this lesson may not be as effective as if it were taught in an English or technology classroom. Although all students need to understand copy right laws, few things in math require the use of online work. Part of being a good digital citizen is understanding copyright laws and abiding by them. 

Gender differences of media 

This lesson focused on how boys and girls are judged differently based on what they post online. This lesson allows students to discuss these double standards. There are thought provoking questions to initiate conversation. Students watch “Feelings on Display” and answer questions on a handout. Every students answers will vary. This lesson is also important for educators to realize the difference between gender and sex. This lesson over gender differences of media is important since it helps teens develop lifelong media literacy skill. Like the cyber-bullying lesson, this is important for all students to learn, but would be better executed in a technology classroom. Students will have debate over this topic. So once again, the teacher will need to be in charge of all conversations and debates. Several ISTE Standards are addressed in this lesson including 2a, 3a-3c, 4c and 4d. 

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Proactive Digital Citizenship

One of the hottest topics in education right now is digital citizenship. Should teachers be proactive instead of protective when it comes to technology in the classroom? Technology has such potential to empower students when used correctly. The Digital Citizen standard brings this empowerment to how students interact online. First off, it calls for students to drive their digital citizenship as they “recognize the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of living, learning and working in an interconnected digital world and they act and model in ways that are safe, legal and ethical.” Students should not be afraid to use the internet, it’s not a bad thing. Here are some way to make a shift: 

1. Students should be taught the intellectual properties and the legality of using  others work. Student should also be taught how to protect their own work. 

2. Students should be taught about their digital footprints, privacy settings, and digital services. They should clean up their social media accordingly. 

3. Students should be encouraged to interact on the Internet in a way that is positive, safe, and creative. 

If we are going to implement technology into the classroom it is crucial to teach students to be good digital citizens and why it is important. In my lesson plan, students will have online access. It never occurred to me to go over any kind of digital citizenship with them. After all, they are in high school and probably know how to work an iPad/tablet better than I can. However, it is my job to let them know what is expected of them when using technology in the classroom. I will most definitely go over basic media etiquette. iPads/Tablets are only to be used in a positive way on the Geometer’s Sketchpad application only.

In order to meet the goal of students being good digital citizens, teachers have to weave these instructions into their curriculum. It comes when educators recognize openings in the course of learning to call out knowledge, dangers, and opportunities related to digital activity. This can be accomplished through a variety of ways. Interactive games, lectures, and videos explaining the importance of being a good digital citizen and how it can effect them in high school and beyond. This should be done with a focus that technology is good, not evil and they are encouraged to use it. By using an integrated approach, students will be engaged and more willing to interact. As educators we need to be proactive in technology. Teach about the pros and cons and say ‘yes’ to technology and ‘yes’ to our student’s futures. 

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SAMR, TPACK, T3, and Triple E frameworks.

Introduction -     

   These four models are all ways technology is implemented in the classroom. They help improve students learning and should be used by more teachers everywhere! These models set up frameworks to help teachers execute technology in the classroom, while keeping track of goals. 

TPACK and SAMR similarities and differences - 

   TPACK is technological pedagogical and content knowledge and this is what shows teachers how to improve their teaching with implementation of technology. There are seven components of knowledge; content, pedagogical, technology, pedagogical content, technological content, technological pedagogical, technological pedagogical content. These components are emphasized in three primary ways. Technology could be the use of a SMART board, iPads in the classroom, laptops, cell phones, and more. Pedagogy is how you teach. Every teacher has a certain way they like to teach or how they think information is best retained and that is their pedagogy.  SAMR is similar in that it, too, uses technology to achieve a goal. SAMR is also a way to put technology in the classroom in hopes to improve learning. It stands for substitution, augmentation, modification, redefinition. Substitution is putting a technological system into education that could be done equally as well without technology. An example is Microsoft Word. This model still uses technology but through a program, not a specific device or operating system.

T3 and Triple E similarities and differences - 

   Shifting a little from technology, the T3 Framework helps teachers categorize students’ learning. The three t’s are translational, transformational, or transcendent, sorting through the low-impact applications to reach high-impact usage of technologies. The T3 Framework is an intense breakthrough in our understanding and use of technology for learning. It invites usual practices in educational technology by making sure students are understanding the technology being used. The Triple E is similar in this way. It is a practical framework that measures the degree to which the technology in a lesson is helping students meet the learning goals. Unlike other technology frameworks, the Triple E Framework focus is on the learning goals, and not specific technology tools. For example, students could be paired up while working on a piece of software (co-use), or students could participate in reflective thinking practices such as making predictions while they are using the technology tools, so they can reflect upon their learning.

Brief wrap up -

   Although each of these models help utilize technology in the classroom, they are not the same. T3 and Triple E focus on more the understanding side of technology. While SAMR and TPACK use the actual application of technology in the classroom. Each model is designed to perform a specific purpose and as an educator is it your job to find out which one works best for you. 

What works best for me -

   SAMR is a model that is most practical in a math classroom. The SAMR model is a useful tool for helping teachers think about their own tech use as they begin to make small shifts in the design and implementation of technology driven learning experiences to achieve the next level. Math is all based on a understanding and building on concepts. Some students might need concepts redefined to understand them fully. Although there is a place for technology in a math classroom, it may not be applicable in all situations. SAMR allows teachers to use programs to implement technology into their classrooms and have control over it. This can give exploration to your lesson plan and help students get a new understanding to algebra through the use of technology. 

Cite - 

Magana, S. (n.d.). Disruptive Classroom Technologies · Magana Education.   Retrieved from https://maganaeducation.com/disruptive-classroom-technologies/

Mkoehler. (2017, June 09). TPACK Explained. Retrieved from http://matt-            koehler.com/tpack2/tpack-explained/

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5E Lesson Plan - Geometry

Teacher:  Catie Beall

Date: 02/17/19

Subject / grade level: Geometry  / 9th-10th

Class length: 50  minutes                                

Materials:

- overhead projector and pens  - computers with Geometer's Sketchpad software  - worksheets for all students to complete for homework

- tangrams

 NC SCOS Essential Standards and  Clarifying Objectives:

Standards:  Geometry 9-12 (National Standard)

  C8. Use  trigonometric ratios and the Pythagorean Theorem to solve right triangles in  applied problems.

Common  Core State Standards for Mathematics (National Standard)

  5c. Students break problems into component parts,  extract key information, and develop descriptive models to understand complex  systems or facilitate problem-solving.

Lesson objective(s):

  Students should learn to apply the Pythagorean  Theorem to word problems.

  Student should be able to determine the lengths of two sides of a 45 – 45 – 90 triangles when the length of the third side is given.

 Differentiation strategies to meet diverse learner needs:

There  will be two types of learning styles met. Manipulative learning will also be  involved in this lesson.

ENGAGEMENT

·          Ask questions over vocabulary as a review.

·          Discuss ways you can use the properties of  parallelograms to solve real-world problems.

·          Triangles  are part of our everyday life. Architecture, road signs, pyramids…can you

             think of others?

 EXPLORATION

·          Students  will complete a quick worksheet using Pythagorean Theorem applications. They  will have 10 minutes to complete the worksheet, whatever they do not finish  they will take home for homework. After the 10 minutes is up they class with  move to a manipulative exercise in groups.

·          Using a  Math Manipulative: Tangram activity – this activity requires students to  manipulate tangrams to discover the geometric properties of a triangle.

·          Students  will access geometer sketchpad on their devices. They will answer the  following questions. Students will be broken up into groups of three to  complete this assignment. Each student will need to answer the questions on  their own sheet of paper but need to discuss problems amongst themselves as  well.

1. Measure the angles of the triangle. How can  you classify the triangle by its angles?

2. Measure the lengths of the two legs of the  triangle. What do you notice about these lengths? Move the points on the  triangle around and see if your conjecture always works.

3. How can you classify the triangle by its  sides?

4. What is the relationship between the legs and  the hypotenuse?

5. Is this relationship always true? Move the  points on the triangle around to test your conjecture.

After all groups are finished, tangrams will be  passed out to all groups. They will manipulate the tangrams into different  shapes and come up with three “architecture designs”.

They will write down describing their designs on  their paper.

 EXPLANATION

·          What is a  triangle? What geometric shapes can be constructed from a triangle? How would  you solve real world problem with Pythagorean Theorem?

·          The students will then give justification to their  answers during a class discussion.

 ELABORATION

·          The students will elaborate their understanding of  the properties of triangles.

·          As  a class, they will discuss how previous units and chapters relate to what  they learned in this lesson.

·          Vocabulary will be introduced from the next unit  for the students to make connections for prior and future learning.

 EVALUATION

·          Students will be required to complete  worksheets during class/for homework consisting of problems involving  applications of the Pythagorean Theorem and special right triangles.

·          In their  groups, if the constructions are correct, each student will be able to show  their three-dimensional final architecture  designs. I will ask each student to show me their final product. I will walk  around the room observing and answering any questions. During the process as  well listening to conversations to make sure they are understanding.  Questions will be asked at the end of class for understanding as well.

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Twitter experience

  I have a twitter that I use daily. I never, not for once, thought to use it in an educational way. Joining the #Games4Ed was a neat experience. I enjoyed going through the chat conversations and reading other people’s ideas. As far as the rest of the things go, following people and making posts, I was already familiar and comfortable with that. It’s good to know I have another resource to use that I am already comfortable with. @BeallCatie

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Good digital citizenship and media literacy -

Being a good digital citizen means to demonstrate and practice safe, responsible, and legal use of technology. A good digital citizen is someone who understands the rights and responsibilities that come with being online and uses technology in a positive way. As a parent it's scary how much information and things your child can be exposed to on the Internet. Therefore, children must understand the importance of being a good digital citizen. In order to teach them, you must understand as well. Here are some websites over being a good digital citizen and things to teach your children:

https://demmelearning.com/learning-blog/digital-citizenship-guide-parents/

https://www.stopbullying.gov/sites/default/files/2018-08/Digital-Citizenship-Factsheet.pdf

Children must understand the importance of being a good digital citizen without feeling like all the fun is being taken out of being on the Internet. There are so many awesome things to explore online, and so many different ways to learn and stay connected! Here are some websites that emphasis the importance of being a good digital citizen and how to have fun while doing it:

https://study.com/academy/lesson/digital-citizenship-lesson-for-kids.html

https://www.bark.us/blog/4-tips-on-online-safety-and-digital-citizenship-for-kids/

Media literacy was something I had never heard of. Upon further investigation, I learned that it builds an understanding of the role of media in society as well as essential skills of inquiry and self-expression. So why is this important and how do you teach our kids about it? For example, it's important that we all know the difference between real and fake news. You cannot believe every thing you read on the Internet. Here are some websites helping with and explaining media literacy:

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/news-and-media-literacy

https://www.edutopia.org/digital-literacy-technology-parent-resources

Media literacy is important for kids to understand as well. Cyber bullying is a big deal in today's society and just about every kid has some form of social media. When exploring and engaging online, everything needs to be done with a purpose. Who created the content you are viewing? Why was this content created? These are some important questions to ask yourself when viewing content online. Here are some websites and games further explaining media literacy and how to identify things to stay away from:

https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens/entertainment-technology/media/media-literacy

http://mediasmarts.ca/digital-media-literacy/educational-games

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Welcome!

I look forward to getting to know all of you!